PATH Outreach

Please refer to the Standard Street Outreach guide for general guidance the HMIS street outreach workflow. Below is some additional PATH specific guidance for projects receiving PATH funding. Please also refer to this report on PATH Data Completeness.

The PATH program workflow starts when the outreach worker meets with the potential client one or more times prior to Engaging in a reciprocal relationship and eventually formally determining their PATH eligibility.

There are two program types for PATH funded projects:

PATH Street Outreach - provides outreach and engagement to clients living in places not meant for human habitation. These PATH activities are designed to meet the immediate needs of unsheltered homeless persons by connecting them with emergency shelter, housing, and/or critical health services.
PATH Supportive Services - provides outreach and engagement to clients who are residing in emergency shelter or are doubled-up in housing and are at-risk of homelessness.

PATH Specific Data Elements

In addition to the HMIS Core Data Elements, PATH grantees are required to collect the following data elements.

Additional data element	When it is recorded
Current Living Situation	Recorded at first contact (program enrollment date) and every contact there after.
Date of Engagement	Recorded the date the client consents to participate in program.
Date of Status Determination	Recorded when the client is both "engaged" and eligibility determined for PATH.
Client Became Enrolled in PATH	Required yes/no question associated with Date of Status Determination.
Connection with SOAR	Response recorded on enrollment and updated on status update or exit if changes.

Recording Contacts using Current Living Situation Assessment

All PATH Program components must record every contact made with each client in the HMIS. . . . For PATH, a contact is defined as an interaction between a PATH-funded worker or workers and an individual who is potentially PATH eligible or enrolled in PATH. Contacts may include activities such as a conversation between the PATH-funded worker and the client about the client's well-being or needs, an office visit to discuss their housing plan, or a referral to another community service. A contact must be recorded anytime a client is med, including during "in-reach" or when the client is contacted in another service setting. Contacts must also be recorded if an engagement date or project start date is recorded on the same day.